|
Keep Steens Spectacular
Nestled in the southeast corner of Oregon, Steens Mountain towers one vertical mile above the high desert. Here, one can explore glaciated valleys replete with majestic bighorn sheep, stands of quaking aspen, and alpine meadows where golden eagles soar high above. Steens is an ideal place for quiet backcountry recreation and experiences, and is a jewel in our National Landscape Conservation System.
The Bureau of Land Management is beginning to plan where motorized vehicles will be allowed on Steens. What the BLM is considering could seriously undermine the very qualities that make Steens special, by dramatically increasing off-road vehicle (ORV) use and officially permitting ORVs in currently protected Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas! Let's nip this in the bud before the BLM formalizes its proposal. Please add your own thoughts to our letter, below, then click on Send This Message.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Steens Scoping Travel Management Plan
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
Steens Mountain is one of the most spectacular and scenic landscapes in the United States. Congressional legislation directs the BLM to "conserve, protect, and manage the long-term ecological integrity of Steens Mountain for future and present generations." And, as one of the gems of BLM's National Landscape Conservation System, Steens warrants BLM's greatest efforts to sustain its unique natural and cultural resources.
The option the BLM is considering, legitimizing non-existent routes in Steens and opening others to all terrain vehicles (ATVs) in Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas, is unacceptable.
The BLM needs to adhere to the purpose for which Congress protected Steens Mountain and develop a travel management plan, based on the best available science, which protects this landscape's ecological integrity.
The travel plan must not:
- authorize vehicles on so-called "obscure routes" that cannot even be located on the ground and most of which are within Wilderness Study Areas;
- authorize ATVs on routes that are not passable to 4-wheeled vehicles, especially since most of these are in Wilderness;
- authorize intrusive "maintenance" of ways in Wilderness Study Areas, which are to be managed to protect their wilderness qualities.
Such an alternative (Alternative A) should be discarded, as should any aspects of other alternatives incorporating these concepts.
Instead, the Steen's travel management plan should:
- close routes that might adversely affect wildlife values, including big-game habitat;
- close routes that are causing soil erosion or might lead to the spread of invasive weeds;
- enhance wilderness values and restore wilderness characteristics;
- maximize opportunities for non-motorized recreation;
- enhance primitive recreation opportunities, including backcountry hunting and fishing.
Thank you for the consideration of my comments. Please keep me informed as you develop the travel plan and Environmental Assessment.
Sincerely,
|
